Iran’s state TV has described the country’s foreign film Oscar win as a victory over Israel.

The broadcast says today the award won by “The Separation” succeeded in “leaving behind” a film from the “Zionist regime,” a reference to the country’s arch-foe Israel.

“A Separation,” a tale of domestic turmoil,competed in the Oscars’ foreign language category against the Israeli “Footnote,” about a rivalry between father-son Talmudic scholars.

Traditionally,Iranian officials are dismissive of international cultural ceremonies.

Iran has a long tradition of cultural achievements in cinema,literature and the arts. But clampdowns by hard-liners in recent years have included artists and others,forcing some to flee the country or work underground.